For many commuter students at Fresno State, balancing academics and campus life while navigating long drives and limited study spaces can be isolating. Off-Campus Student Life (OCSL) group is stepping in, creating a community that offers resources, social events and solutions to help commuters feel more connected.
“Out of all the organizations, this was the first one I applied to because I resonated with it the most,” said Jasmeen Menger, the student assistant for OCSL.
Fresno State launched OCSL in 2017 after identifying a significant gap in resources for its large commuter population. Many commuters faced challenges in finding study spaces, making social connections and feeling engaged in campus life. Since its founding, OCSL has grown into a vital resource, offering dedicated spaces, networking opportunities and events tailored to commuter students.
With roughly half of Fresno State students commuting to campus, the OCSL group plays a crucial role in ensuring they have the support they need. One of the biggest barriers to commuter involvement is time.
“One of the biggest challenges that I see is just the fact that due to commuting and things like that you’re not really spending that much time on campus”, said Kevina Pinto, an active member of OCSL. “Therefore, you maybe don’t have as much engagement, because you’re always thinking about traffic”.
To counter this challenge, OCSL has introduced flexible events and virtual resources tailored to commuter students’ schedules. From early morning coffee meet-ups to online networking sessions, the group ensures that students who can’t linger on campus still have opportunities to connect.
By offering hybrid options and emphasizing convenience, OCSL is working to make student involvement more accessible, regardless of how far someone has to travel.
Each semester, OCSL engages with around 1,500 students, many of whom return regularly to take advantage of the community and resources it offers. Located in the University Student Union basement, the group provides a dedicated space where commuter students can study, relax, and connect with others facing similar challenges.

Events like ‘Good Morning’ and ‘Good Evening Commuters’ give students a chance to grab breakfast or dinner while socializing with peers, while programs such as cooking classes add a fun, hands-on way to build connections. Students can expect to connect with peers whilst following step by step instructions to make their own healthy and accessible dishes using fresh products. All of which are brought in from Fresno State’s Student Cupboard.
The demand for more activities continues to grow, with students giving positive feedback about wanting additional events to enhance their campus experience.
“I think the most rewarding part is seeing students come and engage in our events and hearing how involved students get, especially since they commute or live off campus,” said Gizzel Velasco, a third-year advertising and public relations student and a member of the Social Media Committee for OCSL. “And I feel like it’s a reward for me to wake up early, but then seeing other students wake up early because they want to come to our events is a reward itself.”
OCSL works to create an inclusive environment for commuter students, offering resources and events that foster a sense of belonging. By bringing together students from diverse majors, cultures and backgrounds, OCSL ensures no one feels isolated.
Through intentional programming and community-driven initiatives, students connect with peers facing similar challenges while gaining exposure to new perspectives. This approach highlights the importance of commuter students and reinforces their integral role in the Fresno State community.
“I think a big thing is our program is made up of people from all different backgrounds, majors and cultures,” said Evita Soares, the Off-Campus and Innovations Coordinator. “We have a very diverse population that we’re working with, and so hopefully someone can possibly see themselves in one of our members, or even as a whole. I think that’s a big thing.”
The last event of the semester, “Good Morning Commuters: Donuts,” will take place on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, from 7:30-9:30 a.m. (while supplies last). For more information on upcoming events or to get involved, reach out through their Instagram.